Ottoman Empire by Train

Having watched the first episode I feel pretty misled by the title. It offered no great insight into the Ottoman Empire and frankly concentrated on some very peripheral sites which may well be photogenic or interesting in their own right but are they integral to the Ottoman Empire? The answer is an emphatic no. A very frustrating and pointless programme, marketed as history but more akin to a travelogue. I don't think that based on the first episode that this is going to provide any great revelations about anything really. All in all a disappointing foray by Alice Roberts into an area ripe for showcasing to the public.

Was looking forward to this as both Turkey and Ottoman Empire are little covered. There are many opportunities to discuss past and present day Turkey through the places visited. Alice Roberts has done some good archaeological focussed programmes previously but had nothing of interest to say here unfortunately- not even at the anecdotal level. I don't really know why there was not more in depth discussion of the sites visited. And for train travelogues - she needs to learn from Portillo and perhaps focus on an interesting story or person to move it along. Overall lack of focus, what a shame as it could have been fascinating.

How does one go to such an iconic tourist destination as Turkey and make such a mediocre documentary? OK.. I'm only two episodes in, but it's hard to imagine this formulaic series springing any surprises.

It's certainly competently done, but that's the problem. Alice with her glaring, out-of-place pink hairdo, strolls around all the definitive tourist locations, reciting hollow historical spiels with token guides, and big serving of sprawling Turkish suburbia interwoven. I mean, perhaps this is inevitable, but - for example - 15 excruciating seconds on some outdoor public escalator. Really?

So, sure, I've never been to Turkey. But it's long fascinated me. Surely a more intriguing approach is possible for this seasoned travel team.